Massachusetts Fly Fishing

Massachusetts offers a wide variety of waters for fly fishing. The rivers and lakes of the state hold trout, bass and other fish. Seasons vary by the body of water and species sought by the fly fisherman.

  1. Basic Requirements

    • If you are age 15 or over, you must have a fishing license. A variety of licenses for residents and non-residents are available at most sporting goods stores.

    Catch and Release

    • Massachusetts maintains many rivers and portions of rivers as catch and release areas, where fish must be returned to the water. Everyone should be aware of the regulations on the stream they are fishing. The regulations are available online or in the booklet "Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife" published each year by The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.

    Creel Limits

    • In areas where fish may be harvested, creel limits are in force. Trout limits vary; on most streams, the limit is three trout. The creel limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is three fish. The limit for salmon is two fish, as of 2010.

    Favorite Waters

    • Some of the favorite trout fly fishing waters in Massachusetts include the Deerfield, Housatonic and Swift rivers. Lakes popular for bass fishing include Hamilton Reservoir, Lake Chaubunagungamaug, Lake Cochituate, the Quabbin Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir.

    Trout, Bass and Salmon Species

    • Largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass populate state waters. Salmon species include pink, Chinook and coho salmon. Trout species in the state are brown, brook, rainbow and lake trout.